Tea Sippers

Molecular Nutrition and Food Research published the results of a study by Purdue University scientists about adding vitamin C and lemon juice, among other substances, to green tea. The result was that the vitamin C and lemon juice increased the amounts of antioxidants absorbed by the body, specifically in the intestines. For vitamin C there was a six fold and thirteen fold increase, depending upon which of two specific catechins were discussed.

Lemon juice itself gave a four fold increase in absorption of the important antioxidants under study. But if lemon isn’t your cup of tea, then orange, lime or grapefruit juice could be added. The only thing is that for the best shot at absorption, you should add your juice as a 20 to 50% portion of the drink. That will make some very juicy tea…and not my cup of tea.